DEAR JOAN: Cats and squirrels scamper along fence tops to reach our and our neighbors’ backyards. Our neighbors’ soil slopes down a bit along that line.
What animal burrows holes under the fence to gain easy access into our backyards? Should chicken wire be placed first, deeper along the fence line before adding the edging blockage to prevent further intrusions?
Betty Tom, Union City
DEAR BETTY: There are any number of creatures that will dig beneath fences. Identifying the visitor depends on the size of the hole.
Bigger holes could be the work of a coyote; medium sized holes might be a sign of raccoons, skunks, opossums or foxes. Smaller holes might be rabbits. If there are tunnels involved, it could be gophers, moles or even rats. You might also have a wandering dog or cat digging into the yards.
A barricade of some sort will help secure the area. For maximum benefit, it should extend at least 2 feet down, as few critters burrow deeper than that.
To identify the animal, observe your yard carefully. Most nighttime creatures begin their nocturnal adventures at dusk. If you don’t see the animal, look around in the daytime to see if anything is disturbed or misplaced. That might give you a hint about which animals are visiting, and whether they are making themselves at home or just passing through.
If you have a deck or shed that animals can get under, check there to see if your visitor is actually a resident.
DEAR JOAN: As you know, Jelly’s Place was founded to be an advocate for the lives and dignity of urban animals who are homeless, abandoned, impounded, sick or injured, by providing responsible care, placement, and community education with the commitment to the no-kill philosophy. Jelly’s Place serves West Contra Costa County, particularly the cities of San Pablo and Richmond.
At this time, Jelly’s Place is raising funds with the goal of buying a new kennel building with outdoor runs to house 16 dogs. The existing building is old and in need of repairs, and it’s no longer adequate for the animals’ needs. The current outdoor runs are getting damaged by strong winds.
Jelly’s Place has a contractor willing to help with the foundation, and has already raised $25,000 towards the total needed of $100,000. Any little bit given helps Jelly’s Place reach the goal. Donations are tax deductible and may be sent to 2905 San Pablo Dam Road, San Pablo, 94803, or made through the web site, www.jellysplace.org.
Jelly’s Place receives numerous calls and visits each week from community members looking for help to care for their pets’ health needs, needing temporary placement for them or asking for information on general pet care. Jelly’s Place discusses options to help people keep their pets, provides education, routine care such as vaccination, urgent care and temporary boarding of pets so that families can remain intact. When needed, Jelly’s Place also accepts surrendered pets into their no-kill shelter or a foster program.
Maureen Barnato, Jelly’s Place
DEAR MAUREEN: Thanks for the good work you do. Readers, if you can help them out, it would be much appreciated.
Have a question for Joan?
Use this form to submit questions. Photos should be mailed separately to jmorris@bayareanewsgroup.com.
